Al-Mustapha Adam Muhammad is one of the veterans in the Kannywood film industry; he is the director of screenwriting and radio drama. In this exclusive interview with IBRAHIM HAMISU in Kano, he shares his achievements and many more:
What kind of successes can you say you’ve achieved?
My greatest success is fame, and now I have people who are like a family to me in Kannywood. I also have an education, and I’ve acquired a lot of knowledge in film, which I consider a great achievement. People also see me as a role model and a symbol of the Kannywood film industry.
Are there any challenges?
There are no endeavors without challenges. One challenge I faced was losing 13 episodes of a TV series I produced. My computer crashed, and I left the external hard drives in a taxi. I lost everything. Other challenges include the lack of funding, limited expertise of crew members, and absence of film distribution companies and cinemas.
Who is your mentor in Kannywood?
In scriptwriting, Bala Anas Babinlata is my mentor. In radio drama and directing, production management, and community, Nasiru Bappah Muhammad is my mentor. Bashir Mudi Yakasai taught me almost everything about filmmaking. Ado Ahmad Gidan Dabino also contributed to my success.
Are you part of any association in Kannywood?
Yes, I am the financial secretary of the Guild of Script Writers (GSW). I was also the national treasurer of the Guild of Screen Directors. Currently, I am the national organising secretary of the Professional Film Directors Association (PROFDA).
What are your plans for the future?
My plan is for Kannywood to improve in all aspects. My main goal is to produce high-quality films.
In your opinion, who is more important between a director and a scriptwriter?
A scriptwriter is more important than a director because the scriptwriter creates the story, and then the director works on it. Many professionals say that the script is the foundation of any film. Without a script, there is no film.
What advice would you give to newcomers in Kannywood, especially women?
They should be pure in their intentions and remember that God is always watching. Whatever they do, they should remember their Creator.